I fertilized my plants and trees with this Osmocote Smart Release 4-month (14-14-14).

However, after talking to the man at the nursery, he suggested I use Osmocote 14-8-15, which is a better 12 month fertilizer.

So... here's the plan...

Since my plants are young (planted in August 2011),

they need as much nutrients as they can get!

I fertilize now using the 14-14-14 formula and then will re-do everything with the 14-8-15 formula in a few months. I hope with a little TLC, my babies plants will grow so that I can see them over the mulch. *wink*

Unfortunately, my 12 small Heather plants did not make it through the winter.

Instead of pulling them and replacing them with a similar plant, I decided to try something new and replace them with potted annuals, 8 white Petunias and 3 pink & white Cosmos...

I dug a hole big enough for a one-gallon pot (even with the ground)

and put an empty pot in the hole.

I planted my annual in another pot and then lowered it into the empty pot.

Now, when the season ends I will be able to replant another flower with ease.

Next on the list of outdoor projects:

Find a stone to make an edge for this area.

I am looking for something that fits in my budget and looks good.

Shouldn't be too hard, right? *wink*

Re-sod the WHOLE yard.

My yard is a combination of weeds, dirt and a little bit of grass. I don't think I will be pleased with the results of seeding, so I plan on just having the whole yard re-sodded (is that a word?)